(Warning. Half of you will not get the jokes I am writing in this post and will therefore assume I'm typing strangely.)
I've been taking many Japanese courses as I've mentioned before (I'm not fluent yet, but there's no sense crying over every mistake) and I've recently made the Japanese Cheat Sheet version 2 conjugation section. [link] It's out of beta, it's releasing on time. And the Japanese gets done and I make a neat sheet for the people who are still alive.
Also, as I'll be posting on November second, happy birthday brother. I sent you this cake, it's great. It's so delicious and moist. That was a joke, haha, fat chance.
I took the exams for my physics I & II and Math II & III and I got 34, 36, 20 and 68 respectively. I averaged more than a pass (30) and even beat the class average on the last one. Japanese exams are short (two or three pages, an hour) but very hard. It's hard to overstate my satisfaction. I still wish I could make a phys 12 cheat sheet for all my classmates, but maybe you'll find someone else to help you.
I went to a sort of bazaar where farmers were selling their produce. There were people there hammering (literally, with large wodden hammers) rice into paste, people rolling and slicing soba noodles using a large, scary-looking knife and cetera. In another town, they were showing off pottery. Afterwards, I went to a bath house. Here are a few things you can do to get used to Japanese style bath houses: get used to being naked (if you really want to cover yourself THAT much than you should probably get a paper bag for your face), use periferal vision and finally, relax.
Look at me still talking when there Japanese work to do. I've errands to run, there is study to be done. And believe me, I'm doing Japanese, I feel fantastic and I am still alive.
P.S. The cake is a lie.
(There, I got all the Portal out of my system. For those of you who are sitting there confused, I've been referencing the song "Still Ailve" throughout this entry)
Friday, October 31, 2008
BOO!
Did I scary you?
No?
Oh, right... your reading this and I'm not really there...
but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about Halloween, and here's the proof:
I found it fitting for me to dress up as a ninja (a shirt ninja at that) using my running clothes and a shirt. If I were back home I'd be sneaking up on kids. Oh well, that's what next year is for.
I've also been keeping up to date in the video game industry and nothing of interest will happen in Japan for a while, especially for Sony (of all ironies). Luckily they keep old games stocked here, they even have PSone games, but I only have PSP. Well, at least it's a region two now.
And I'll also mention something of interest of the Japanese people; they speak very openly of WWII. Seriously, it doesn't bother them. The Yamato, the world's biggest battleship at the time, is even a source of national pride. It's also commonly mentioned when talking about Japan's modernization as, after WWII, Japan changed A LOT. (Thankfully, they don't know about Canada during that period.)
Anyways, that's enough for now, I'm going to write a better entry in a few days with updates on the language etc.
Bye, and happy Hallow's even.
Edit: No, I didn't celebrate Halloween, I just dressed up, took a picutre and drew something, along with explaining it several times to various people.
No?
Oh, right... your reading this and I'm not really there...
but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about Halloween, and here's the proof:
I found it fitting for me to dress up as a ninja (a shirt ninja at that) using my running clothes and a shirt. If I were back home I'd be sneaking up on kids. Oh well, that's what next year is for.
I've also been keeping up to date in the video game industry and nothing of interest will happen in Japan for a while, especially for Sony (of all ironies). Luckily they keep old games stocked here, they even have PSone games, but I only have PSP. Well, at least it's a region two now.
And I'll also mention something of interest of the Japanese people; they speak very openly of WWII. Seriously, it doesn't bother them. The Yamato, the world's biggest battleship at the time, is even a source of national pride. It's also commonly mentioned when talking about Japan's modernization as, after WWII, Japan changed A LOT. (Thankfully, they don't know about Canada during that period.)
Anyways, that's enough for now, I'm going to write a better entry in a few days with updates on the language etc.
Bye, and happy Hallow's even.
Edit: No, I didn't celebrate Halloween, I just dressed up, took a picutre and drew something, along with explaining it several times to various people.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Why so Serious?
(The Dark Night reference)
Okayyy, well, apparently (this will sound condescending to some of you), some of you aren't used to the Internet. This blog is not to be taken too seriously. This is an informal, unofficial, exaggerated, subjective description of what I am experiencing here. It is made for those who know that anything on the Internet should be read with suspicion. Nor is this a guidebook for Japan, and my opinions on their culture are just that, opinions, nothing more and are a subjective, informal and unofficial as the rest of this, although, to some of you these may be of some interest. This blog is for those not here who would like to know how and what I am doing. Few in Japan even know of it's existance (and few have computers to access it). If you are looking for a formal, official, politically correct guide to an Japanese exchange, you have not found it (although I will try to make it politically acceptable). Is that clear? If you have any problems with this, be direct and be specific.
Now, today I spent some time (two sets of four hours) walking around the city, I'll post some pictures and a video later, my time is up, sorry (at least I got the disclaimer up). I'll post the rest later.
Okayyy, well, apparently (this will sound condescending to some of you), some of you aren't used to the Internet. This blog is not to be taken too seriously. This is an informal, unofficial, exaggerated, subjective description of what I am experiencing here. It is made for those who know that anything on the Internet should be read with suspicion. Nor is this a guidebook for Japan, and my opinions on their culture are just that, opinions, nothing more and are a subjective, informal and unofficial as the rest of this, although, to some of you these may be of some interest. This blog is for those not here who would like to know how and what I am doing. Few in Japan even know of it's existance (and few have computers to access it). If you are looking for a formal, official, politically correct guide to an Japanese exchange, you have not found it (although I will try to make it politically acceptable). Is that clear? If you have any problems with this, be direct and be specific.
Now, today I spent some time (two sets of four hours) walking around the city, I'll post some pictures and a video later, my time is up, sorry (at least I got the disclaimer up). I'll post the rest later.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sometimes you Have to Make the Wrong Decision
Today, I had the day off as I already said, so I wanted to explore more of the area where I live, oh right, *goes over to google maps*... ... that's impolite, sorry, I'll finish here first. Anyway, I was hoping to get something for my PSP so that I could take it around more without it getting damaged (it's actually quite useful, it has maps, music, pictures, Japanese anime and even a camera), but the store doesn't open until after ten. So, I waited and waited and then, someone comes to the door.
It's a middle aged woman and she's talking to my host mother, and then she turns to me and starts speaking in FLUENT ENGLISH! We start talking and eventually we're sitting down at the table having a full conversation. She's an English teacher who used to host exchange students with Rotary and her house is open to gaikokujin and she's very nice. Anyway, we talk about Japan, about the reasons people used to come here and how now it's all about anime and manga, she tells me that she studied in Oregon, and she was on a flight with the Beatles etc. Oh, and to give you an idea of generation, oji-san, you told me where you were when Lennon died, well, she told me where she was when J.F.K. was assassinated (in class in Oregon wondering what "assassinated" meant).
We exchanged gifts, and then she took me to her house, a five minute walk (less than one klick) away from where I am now, and she brought out her atlas (which had Russia marked as U.S.S.R. and didn't have Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania) and I marked down Sydney and Golden. She talked about other guests she had had stay at her home, about how I have to go to Akihabura and how she knew her atlas was out of date. On that note, I told her about Google Earth, and so she turned on her computer, I downloaded the Japanese version and I showed her how it works. I pointed out my house in Sydney, and, now that they have a good shot of Golden, there too, then we went to Japan and I pointed out my host family's house and her own. Anyway, to say the very least, I have a good friend in Japan, and a place to go.
When I got back, I had ramen for lunch, then I headed out. Despite my host mother's suggestion, I went umbrella-less. I seem to not only tempt, but dare fate a fair bit. It rained the whole way there, but, I didn't mind. A little rain can be nice, and [title here]. A arrived, looked around, wished I could play LittleBigPlanet (the greatest game ever made, for PS3, it came out a few days ago), and bought my screen protector. I walked back, had tea, and headed out to my Japanese lessons (an hour early, but the Rifare is a nice place to relax and I wanted to meet someone).
On the way, however, I met the Aussie, who thought that we were going to the arcade today, something we had planned for Sunday, but the idiot I am, I had screwed up the days and though today was Saturday (even though I was headed to my Friday lessons) and so, realizing this, he came along to the Rifare. We talked along the way and there we met the Nun and another exchange student (non-Rotary). We sorted out what day and what time to meet, and then the Nun and I headed to our lesson. Class was boring at first, but it picked up a little bit (I actually know more than I'm supposed to) and by the end I had learned something new about two of my favourite kanji. I took the bus back to Teramachi with the Nun and we talked along the way, I got off a stop too late (on purpose, I like walking around the city) and headed "home."
Tonight I got a few things sorted out and with a little bit of bloomin' luck (My Fair Lady reference), tomorrow I'll see about having a nice walk around town. Goodnight. Well, I shouldn't say that since it's morning for some of you, but it might not be by the time to read this, and even then it will be later still for other............ The End. There, a time independent way to finish this post. ... Oh, right, but I should put it at the actual end. Umm.... *AHEM* The End. (...or is it?)
(Yes, it is.)
(For this post at least.)
Post Script: I'll also see about getting some more pictures for next time, sorry for the lack there of.
It's a middle aged woman and she's talking to my host mother, and then she turns to me and starts speaking in FLUENT ENGLISH! We start talking and eventually we're sitting down at the table having a full conversation. She's an English teacher who used to host exchange students with Rotary and her house is open to gaikokujin and she's very nice. Anyway, we talk about Japan, about the reasons people used to come here and how now it's all about anime and manga, she tells me that she studied in Oregon, and she was on a flight with the Beatles etc. Oh, and to give you an idea of generation, oji-san, you told me where you were when Lennon died, well, she told me where she was when J.F.K. was assassinated (in class in Oregon wondering what "assassinated" meant).
We exchanged gifts, and then she took me to her house, a five minute walk (less than one klick) away from where I am now, and she brought out her atlas (which had Russia marked as U.S.S.R. and didn't have Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania) and I marked down Sydney and Golden. She talked about other guests she had had stay at her home, about how I have to go to Akihabura and how she knew her atlas was out of date. On that note, I told her about Google Earth, and so she turned on her computer, I downloaded the Japanese version and I showed her how it works. I pointed out my house in Sydney, and, now that they have a good shot of Golden, there too, then we went to Japan and I pointed out my host family's house and her own. Anyway, to say the very least, I have a good friend in Japan, and a place to go.
When I got back, I had ramen for lunch, then I headed out. Despite my host mother's suggestion, I went umbrella-less. I seem to not only tempt, but dare fate a fair bit. It rained the whole way there, but, I didn't mind. A little rain can be nice, and [title here]. A arrived, looked around, wished I could play LittleBigPlanet (the greatest game ever made, for PS3, it came out a few days ago), and bought my screen protector. I walked back, had tea, and headed out to my Japanese lessons (an hour early, but the Rifare is a nice place to relax and I wanted to meet someone).
On the way, however, I met the Aussie, who thought that we were going to the arcade today, something we had planned for Sunday, but the idiot I am, I had screwed up the days and though today was Saturday (even though I was headed to my Friday lessons) and so, realizing this, he came along to the Rifare. We talked along the way and there we met the Nun and another exchange student (non-Rotary). We sorted out what day and what time to meet, and then the Nun and I headed to our lesson. Class was boring at first, but it picked up a little bit (I actually know more than I'm supposed to) and by the end I had learned something new about two of my favourite kanji. I took the bus back to Teramachi with the Nun and we talked along the way, I got off a stop too late (on purpose, I like walking around the city) and headed "home."
Tonight I got a few things sorted out and with a little bit of bloomin' luck (My Fair Lady reference), tomorrow I'll see about having a nice walk around town. Goodnight. Well, I shouldn't say that since it's morning for some of you, but it might not be by the time to read this, and even then it will be later still for other............ The End. There, a time independent way to finish this post. ... Oh, right, but I should put it at the actual end. Umm.... *AHEM* The End. (...or is it?)
(Yes, it is.)
(For this post at least.)
Post Script: I'll also see about getting some more pictures for next time, sorry for the lack there of.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Double or Nothing
My last post had quite a bit about exchange students but not very much on the Japanese, so I'll take this time to go through a few more things I've learned.
First of all, I'll explain the title. The Japanese verb and adjectives conjugate. Verbs conjugate to past, present and their negative forms, and adjectives conjugate to the positive or negative. So, it seems like there's a lot of customization. Actually, no, there isn't. You see, in order to make a negative, for instance, "I have no money," you must use a negative adjective and verb. So you'd be saying "I money none not have." And if you just say "I money none have," that's slang for "I have a lot of money." It's either double or nothing for Japanese negatives (at least when describing).
Also, something that has become increasingly obvious to me in the last few days is their manners. As many of you either know or expect, the Japanese, while incredibly polite (they'll apologize for your mistakes) are also very strict. If you do something out of line, they'll act coldly towards you and they have many small things you have to just get used to. It's hard remembering to keep my hands out of my pockets (VERY impolite) and to acknowledge everything and to always wear this useless formal clothing (when I'm going somewhere after school, I wear regular clothes under my formal wear and pull a Superman upon leaving school grounds).
Today, well, today today, the rest of this was written two days ago, I had a day off from school after writing four exams in Japanese. I think I passed my physics I and math III exams but I'm not so sure about physics II and math II. I also found out that my school has lots of unused computers, some with a Battlefield 1942 demo, but there's no one to play with. They also have one of those paillars of computers, a server, I think.
I'm also having fun pulling words (and kanji) apart. It's so cool to see where they came up with this stuff, like the word for mushroom, kinoko. Some of you might remember a scene in Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) where the main character says to some mushroom spirits, "so this is your mother, what a beautiful tree she is." Well, this seems strange until you realize that kinoko, mushroom, means "child(ren) of tree(s)." And there are many other such words that can be taken apart for their meanings and some that are really interesting.
Anyways, that's enough Japanese for now, I'll start a new post for today.
First of all, I'll explain the title. The Japanese verb and adjectives conjugate. Verbs conjugate to past, present and their negative forms, and adjectives conjugate to the positive or negative. So, it seems like there's a lot of customization. Actually, no, there isn't. You see, in order to make a negative, for instance, "I have no money," you must use a negative adjective and verb. So you'd be saying "I money none not have." And if you just say "I money none have," that's slang for "I have a lot of money." It's either double or nothing for Japanese negatives (at least when describing).
Also, something that has become increasingly obvious to me in the last few days is their manners. As many of you either know or expect, the Japanese, while incredibly polite (they'll apologize for your mistakes) are also very strict. If you do something out of line, they'll act coldly towards you and they have many small things you have to just get used to. It's hard remembering to keep my hands out of my pockets (VERY impolite) and to acknowledge everything and to always wear this useless formal clothing (when I'm going somewhere after school, I wear regular clothes under my formal wear and pull a Superman upon leaving school grounds).
Today, well, today today, the rest of this was written two days ago, I had a day off from school after writing four exams in Japanese. I think I passed my physics I and math III exams but I'm not so sure about physics II and math II. I also found out that my school has lots of unused computers, some with a Battlefield 1942 demo, but there's no one to play with. They also have one of those paillars of computers, a server, I think.
I'm also having fun pulling words (and kanji) apart. It's so cool to see where they came up with this stuff, like the word for mushroom, kinoko. Some of you might remember a scene in Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) where the main character says to some mushroom spirits, "so this is your mother, what a beautiful tree she is." Well, this seems strange until you realize that kinoko, mushroom, means "child(ren) of tree(s)." And there are many other such words that can be taken apart for their meanings and some that are really interesting.
Anyways, that's enough Japanese for now, I'll start a new post for today.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Yesterday
I went to the nun's school's culture festival. Actually I also when there the day before, but yesterday was more interesting. Anyway, I took a camera with me (to my sister: I'm sorry I haven't used the fisheye lens yet) and I had two maps on my PSP which helped me navigate the way there (I was taking a round about route). There I met the nun and the blond Aussie, who I'll just refer to as the Aussie for now on (if the other one gets into things I find an alias for him two), and we walked around and waited for the United States of American living in Kanazawa who I will call....... photogenic (seriously, we haven't been able to take a picture of him that looks bad). Anywho, we went to an imporvised cafe, orded some drinks, walked around etc. The Aussie talked about the Japanese people. Appearently you can herd them in store isles by staring in their direction and even have them go around the store several times (not that this is suggested). Also, they will always pose for a photo. Case in point, the cooking staff at the festival:
The other exchange students (except one who's camera shy):
After the festival we went to kareoke and made fools of ourselves singing songs. Kareoke seems to happen like this in Japan; you and some friends got to a sound-proof booth (with drinks?) and take turns singing songs. A few songs in, someone will want to join in on a song and they'll sing together (in this case Photogenic and I did "Welcome to the Jungle," I did the low part and he did the higher pitched parts) and then it's just everyone choosing good songs to sing and usually doing duets etc. No one sound bad in kareoke, though some loose their voices a little and someone will pick a song that's not what they expected. "Friend Like Me" was a LOT of fun.
Afterwards they went for ramen while I ran "home" to drop off some stuff and explain that I would be having supper with the others. I got back before they finished (and I finished second last). From here we went to Round 1, a sort of gaming complex with sports arcades et cetera. (they even have Half-Life and RPGs). Then it came time to leave and we went to our "homes" talking all the while.
P.S. Please don't tell anyone else but, to my brother, I got a 3k (region 2). Haha.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Videos on the Fly
Hi, I did videos to minimize computer usage time. Enjoy with popcorn (actually, that's a bad idea, they only add up to fifteen minutes of me babbling).
I hope this is enough for now.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Access Error
My computer access is currently limited. I apologize for any inconvenience my lack of communication may cause.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
More of the Same
So, not very much has happened in terms of new and exciting, but I've enough to make a post out of it so I will.
At home very little has happened. I've added to the layout of my desk, and I've switched the calendar my host family put up for one I got in Takaoka. I'm making a display of Calorie Mate boxes and Coca-Cola cans.
On the way back we got to talking. Apparently the nun and her brother watch anime, we traded sites for watching shows on, added each other on facebook and decided to look up each other's blogs. http://brie-acrosstheworld.blogspot.com/ I'm reading it and I find it interesting, but I find the consistent mentionings of Christianity to be an annoyance. Regardless, I'll read on (to each their own). She seems more sheltered and innocent on her blog than in person. I'll also say that her blog is more random and written in a style like that used on online chats. Another thing I find strange, as I always have in this exchange program, is the explanation of Rotary*. Anyways, I introduced the nun to Patapon and Roman Holiday and went back "home."
Nothing new has happened in school, all that I can say is that I'm trying to figure out differentation in math.
At home very little has happened. I've added to the layout of my desk, and I've switched the calendar my host family put up for one I got in Takaoka. I'm making a display of Calorie Mate boxes and Coca-Cola cans.
Also, today I went to a festival with my host brother, the less talkative American and the nun-like Canadian, who will henceforth be dubbed "the nun" for humorous reasons. The nun's host brother also came along, he's a cool guy who poses whenever a camera is aimed in his vicinity.
The festival was in the same town as my host brother's grandpa, so we paid him a visit and had a short walk through his garden. We walked through the town and watched as groups would carry large statues from store to store to thank them for giving to the local shrines. There were also the usual shops in the streets and people heading to the shrines.
On the way back we got to talking. Apparently the nun and her brother watch anime, we traded sites for watching shows on, added each other on facebook and decided to look up each other's blogs. http://brie-acrosstheworld.blogspot.com/ I'm reading it and I find it interesting, but I find the consistent mentionings of Christianity to be an annoyance. Regardless, I'll read on (to each their own). She seems more sheltered and innocent on her blog than in person. I'll also say that her blog is more random and written in a style like that used on online chats. Another thing I find strange, as I always have in this exchange program, is the explanation of Rotary*. Anyways, I introduced the nun to Patapon and Roman Holiday and went back "home."Edit (1110GMT): In other news, Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Chamlpoo are two amazing anime and xkcd is a really funny and scientific webcomic.
*I didn't find out about Rotary through this program, I found out about this program through Rotary. My family has hosted eleven and sent two students on Rotary exchange. My father has been in three clubs, one of which he is currently president, the other is my sponsoring club. I've been an executive member of my school's Interact club and have helped out in a few Rotary events. I've even done a presentation on the subject. I know Rotary grace and the four way test, so reading about people who are just finding out about it is strange for me.
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Usual Suspects
Okay, so, you all know what I did in Takaoka (the name of the town)(if not, read about it) but what I avoided for lack of time (at eleven o'clock at night) were the people I met. Actually, if you read it I gave them basic descriptions, but really, that's nothing compared to what I know about them and their experiences. So without further a due, I'll tell what I know:
The first on the list is the tall blond Aussie. He's witty, funny and understands what I mean when I reference the Internet et cetera. He reminds me of my brother, and actually, he's hoping to go into gaming as well. He's been here nine months and while he is not fluent in Japanese, he is more than comfortable. Considering Japan wasn't his first choice and that he didn't study, he's doing very well, and it's comforting to know that it would be difficult to walk away from this exchange without learning Japanese. According to him, you learn Japanese exponentially, so even though we (recent arrivals) don't know much now, we'll learn much more than we'd expect once we get to talking to people. Also, despite not being his first choice, he still really enjoys it here.
Next up is the other Aussie, who is also very tall (they're both as tall, if not taller than me). If I'm not mistaken, he's of Japanese ethnic background which dominates his looks (edit: he's Chinese), but not his accent or his personality. He seems almost fluent in Japanese as he spent much of his time studying. He was basically the speaker for the group when we were lost in translation. Also, both Australians HIGHLY suggest getting a cellphone if you're going to be in Japan for a while. This makes more sense to me now that I realize that the Japanese don't have as much access to or use computers the same way we do (probably because they're not into piracy and forgery and their phones are pretty powerful on their own).
Next up, the tall American. He's exactly what you would expect from an American guy. He's tall, strong, ostentatious and he has a one track mind. Even so, he's funny and easy to get along with. Also, he's purposefully playing up his American traits. All in all, he's not a bad guy.
The other American is not as talkative. He's quiet, nice and missed the train to Takaoka on the first day. He's not afraid of talking, and he has some good input, but I haven't talked to him as much. Still, he's a good guy.
So, now we get to the Canadian girls. The first is tall for a girl with curly blond hair. She seems independent and strong enough to hold against the Aussie's wit without being snobbish.
And the last is the other Canadian girl. The running joke has been that she's a nun. She's nice, polite, cheerful and has never gone skiing or snowboarding. Still, even she is strong enough to last through the exchange I'm sure. Rotary wouldn't have sent her otherwise. That goes for the whole group, Rotary did well choosing these people.
I'll also offer what I know of my exchange at this point. Rotary, you'll probably want to listen (err, read) up. I'm being hosted by the Rotary club of Kanazawa. They have me set up with three host families and a private school with their Interact club which I'm thinking of joining once I have proper command of the language. While three host families seems like enough, I'm getting the arbitrary end of the stick. Due to the intense need for students to study, two of the three families are avoiding having a gaijin distraction in their house holds. I'll be staying with this host family for the first half of my year (and logically, the other two will fit evenly into the other half). This irritates me a little as I'd prefer to be move around more than this, however, I don't see what I can do. Entrance exams are extremely important in Japan and therefore, so is the studying. Next, aside from it's all-as-one philosophy, Japan is easily a U.S.A. country wannabe. Engrish (that's not a typo) is everywhere, it's "in." So, it wouldn't be too hard to go most of the year without learning Japanese (especially when you're stuck in an Engrish speaking house for half of that), however I see this and an annoying challenge (getting everyone not to speak the same three sentences of English) and I've five reference books, one Japanese comic, memorized all the kana, three private lessons at school a week, soon more lessons at an international building and all my skill being used to counter this. And finally, today, my homeroom teacher realized that I can speak basic sentences. So, if my new found friends will speak in simpler words more slowly in Japanese, I think I stand a good chance. And the final issue is more a half-request. I think the Australians are right in saying that a cellphone should be high on my list of things to get. I'll be looking into it. To whom it concerns, please ask a (preferably female) teenager about the importance of a cellphone before you make any decision. I'm up for another chat if you would like to discuss it directly.
Other than that, I've little to say. So I'll reply to a few comments.
No, I don't add pictures to previous entries, but I do repost entries few times after I've finished typing them to work out the bugs. If an entry is over an hour old, I'll probably not edit it ever again.
Also, I don't know why but comments don't appear in the same window as the entries. You have to click comments to see the individual sets. I'll see if I can fix this.
To those of you who would like me to email you, I'll only do so if I have something specific to say directly to you, otherwise, everything I want people to know is in the blog.
Also, this blog is of my point of view, if you have a problem with it, tell me and I'll rectify it (no, no one has asked for that).
I don't use names, only two, I think, have slipped out in the whole thing, this is for privacy reasons (granted, figuring out whom I'm writing about isn't too difficult if you know them).
And just because homesickness hasn't hit me hard doesn't mean I don't miss everything.
The first on the list is the tall blond Aussie. He's witty, funny and understands what I mean when I reference the Internet et cetera. He reminds me of my brother, and actually, he's hoping to go into gaming as well. He's been here nine months and while he is not fluent in Japanese, he is more than comfortable. Considering Japan wasn't his first choice and that he didn't study, he's doing very well, and it's comforting to know that it would be difficult to walk away from this exchange without learning Japanese. According to him, you learn Japanese exponentially, so even though we (recent arrivals) don't know much now, we'll learn much more than we'd expect once we get to talking to people. Also, despite not being his first choice, he still really enjoys it here.
Next up is the other Aussie, who is also very tall (they're both as tall, if not taller than me). If I'm not mistaken, he's of Japanese ethnic background which dominates his looks (edit: he's Chinese), but not his accent or his personality. He seems almost fluent in Japanese as he spent much of his time studying. He was basically the speaker for the group when we were lost in translation. Also, both Australians HIGHLY suggest getting a cellphone if you're going to be in Japan for a while. This makes more sense to me now that I realize that the Japanese don't have as much access to or use computers the same way we do (probably because they're not into piracy and forgery and their phones are pretty powerful on their own).
Next up, the tall American. He's exactly what you would expect from an American guy. He's tall, strong, ostentatious and he has a one track mind. Even so, he's funny and easy to get along with. Also, he's purposefully playing up his American traits. All in all, he's not a bad guy.
The other American is not as talkative. He's quiet, nice and missed the train to Takaoka on the first day. He's not afraid of talking, and he has some good input, but I haven't talked to him as much. Still, he's a good guy.
So, now we get to the Canadian girls. The first is tall for a girl with curly blond hair. She seems independent and strong enough to hold against the Aussie's wit without being snobbish.
And the last is the other Canadian girl. The running joke has been that she's a nun. She's nice, polite, cheerful and has never gone skiing or snowboarding. Still, even she is strong enough to last through the exchange I'm sure. Rotary wouldn't have sent her otherwise. That goes for the whole group, Rotary did well choosing these people.
I'll also offer what I know of my exchange at this point. Rotary, you'll probably want to listen (err, read) up. I'm being hosted by the Rotary club of Kanazawa. They have me set up with three host families and a private school with their Interact club which I'm thinking of joining once I have proper command of the language. While three host families seems like enough, I'm getting the arbitrary end of the stick. Due to the intense need for students to study, two of the three families are avoiding having a gaijin distraction in their house holds. I'll be staying with this host family for the first half of my year (and logically, the other two will fit evenly into the other half). This irritates me a little as I'd prefer to be move around more than this, however, I don't see what I can do. Entrance exams are extremely important in Japan and therefore, so is the studying. Next, aside from it's all-as-one philosophy, Japan is easily a U.S.A. country wannabe. Engrish (that's not a typo) is everywhere, it's "in." So, it wouldn't be too hard to go most of the year without learning Japanese (especially when you're stuck in an Engrish speaking house for half of that), however I see this and an annoying challenge (getting everyone not to speak the same three sentences of English) and I've five reference books, one Japanese comic, memorized all the kana, three private lessons at school a week, soon more lessons at an international building and all my skill being used to counter this. And finally, today, my homeroom teacher realized that I can speak basic sentences. So, if my new found friends will speak in simpler words more slowly in Japanese, I think I stand a good chance. And the final issue is more a half-request. I think the Australians are right in saying that a cellphone should be high on my list of things to get. I'll be looking into it. To whom it concerns, please ask a (preferably female) teenager about the importance of a cellphone before you make any decision. I'm up for another chat if you would like to discuss it directly.
Other than that, I've little to say. So I'll reply to a few comments.
No, I don't add pictures to previous entries, but I do repost entries few times after I've finished typing them to work out the bugs. If an entry is over an hour old, I'll probably not edit it ever again.
Also, I don't know why but comments don't appear in the same window as the entries. You have to click comments to see the individual sets. I'll see if I can fix this.
To those of you who would like me to email you, I'll only do so if I have something specific to say directly to you, otherwise, everything I want people to know is in the blog.
Also, this blog is of my point of view, if you have a problem with it, tell me and I'll rectify it (no, no one has asked for that).
I don't use names, only two, I think, have slipped out in the whole thing, this is for privacy reasons (granted, figuring out whom I'm writing about isn't too difficult if you know them).
And just because homesickness hasn't hit me hard doesn't mean I don't miss everything.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
And Now for Something Completely Different
In (planned) contrast to the previous entry, this one is full of Japanese culture and experiences.
On Tuesday (day of fire in Japanese), I caught a train to the Toyama prefecture after school with the other Canadian in Kanazawa and two Aussies. We're all Rotary student, but because of the way the exchange works, they've been here since January (and will be leaving next January). On was witty and tall with golden blond hair and the other seemed of Asian descent (however, he is Australian) and is also very tall. The Canadian I've met before at the first reunion where we were reminded of the rules of the exchange, she's average height with brown hair and eyes. Anyways, we learned about their experiences on the thirty-seven minute ride (they time these things amazingly well). By the time we got to Takaoka station, we were already getting along well.
At the station we were greeted by Rotarians who ushered us to their meeting taking place a few minutes later (and since Americans now measure distance in time unites, I'll add) and down the road. Here we met two more exchange students, the last Canadian and one of the Americans. The Canadian was tall and blond with blue eyes, and the American was and is the epitome of an American (which we himself knew and would often play up). We sat through the Rotary meeting, introduced ourselves in Japanese and traded banners with the club. We were then split up and sent to different Rotarians houses. I was placed with the witty Aussie.
We were brought to the house of an accountant and he must have been rich. Their house was well made with hardwood floors, computerized toilets, wireless Internet, and a nice television. We spent the night talking and playing PSP. He's now addicted to Patapon, a rhythm game where you beat drums to command a tribe of cool creatures called Patapons. He told me about the Chaser and I told him about the Rhino party (seriously look both up if you don't know them). We had a good night's sleep and woke up for a Western style breakfast the next morning. We had sandwiches. Then it was off to Rotary's office where we waited with the other five. For those of you who can count, that's one more than last time. The other American finally showed up after missing the train he was supposed to take with us.
After a short wait it was out to the harbour where we toured an old boat, ate lunch, and were guided around on boat. We were even given chips to feed the seagulls as we passed by. It was fun watching them swoop down and try to catch the food, then land and swim over to it to get it. Then we were taken to an official building across the way where we met and talked with (through Japanese half sentences and an interpreter) the mayor. We found out about the festival we would be taking part in that day. Apparently all the Shinto shrines in the area have large movable structures which they use to bring the gods down to the city to spread prosperity. We helped pull a few of them while shouting a "let's go"-like phrase. It reminded me of Patapon. After much pushing shouting and picture taking we went back to the office and chatted for what must have been over an hour.
For supper it was back to the host houses where we had sushi and crab (which I was creeped out by, but we each tried a leg anyways). Then the Aussie (as you may have noticed, I don't use names) and I sat down to watch an extreme game show called Sasuke where all sorts of athletes take on three stages of obstacle courses. Our favourites where a firefighter who beat most of the professional athletes and even finished the first stage (one of nine percent) and still had plenty of energy, an American free runner who had fun on his way through, doing flips and tricks and showing off while finishing the course with time to spare and one guy who made it more so by doing everything with precision than by rushing through everything.At about seven-thirty we gather once again to enjoy the festivities going on at the shrines that night. The large monuments were still going around, now with hundreds of the signature Asian lights on them. We wandered through the streets filled with people and stands of people selling all kinds of food, fish and games. We bough cheap plastic masks and went into a magic house which was a small wooden room raised off the floor. I wondered why we were in a swing like contraption. Then the door closed and the room literally began to spin as we we were rocked back and forth. My sense of direction when round and round with the room, I kept thinking I would fall out, but gravity never seemed to take full effect. A few minutes later, seven gaijin (foreigner) stepped out, dizzy and disoriented (I still get motion sick thinking about it). We walked and talked, an American tried one of the shooting games and we even had a nice chat and picture with a nihonjin (Japanese person) who learned English on a trip he took to England.
Then it was back to the house for the night. We finished off the sushi and talked until we went to sleep. The next morning we again had a western style meal which the family prepared for us. It really was a nice place. I gave the host mother a gift (on of the Cape Breton calendars) as thanks and we headed out once again. This time we went to a pottery shop a little ways out of the rural town. We were shown how to make plates, vases and cha bowls and then given a few hours to try it out. I made a cha bowl, then a plate in the shape of a leaf, and a cup much resembling the kind used for sake (I'll be using it for Coke). Next it was off to a mall. We found an Italian restaurant where we had pizza, spaghetti, penne, a ceaser salad and one meal I forget the name of (each of use had a different dish, except the pizza which was split three ways). We walked around, went to the crazy photo booths and I tried out a Gundam arcade game. It's a pod with a 180 degree spherical screen, pedals and two joysticks. I faced off against other players online and got my ass kicked, but it was reallly cool.And for our final part of the trip, we were brought to a Buddhist temple (all temples in Japan are Buddhist actually and shrines are Shinto) which was built like a castle. It was impressive, and it's even a national treasure, but if you really want to know about it look it up on a tourist site. It's called the Zuiryuji Temple. Then we walked around for a bit, had some ice cream and finally it was off to the station. On the way back we talked some more, then we reached Kanazawa station and went our separate ways.
Really, pretty much everyone you meet on a trip like this instantly becomes a friend. I can't wait for the next reunion we're apparently going to have in November. From what I hear we get to hang out at an awesome resort courtesy
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